Roberto Mancini warns Italy haven’t had much time to prepare for North Macedonia and the World Cup play-offs, which is why he ‘focused on the same lads who won the Euros. I don’t see favourites.’
The semi-final kicks off on Thursday at 19.45 GMT at the Stadio Barbera.
The winners of that game will go on to face either Portugal or Turkey for a spot at the 2022 World Cup.
“We haven’t had much time, the lads had to recover from long journeys and lots of games, so we only really had half a day to try out tactical situations,” said Mancini in the press conference.
“This is why we focused on the same lads who won the Euros, as they know each other and what we need to do.”
There are also nine players in the current squad who experienced the World Cup play-off elimination at the hands of Sweden in November 2017, the only time other than 1958 when Italy failed to qualify for the tournament.
“This is the life of a sporting figure, there are highs and lows, we all wish that we could only experience victories. All we need to do is be concentrated on ourselves. Italy play good football and we have to focus on nothing more.”
Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo and Turkey earned some good results in the group phase, so is there a favourite in this path to the World Cup?
“We all start from scratch, every game begins at 0-0 and anything can happen over 90 minutes,” was Mancini’s response.
“I don’t see any favourites, as every match must be played, including those that might seem easy on paper.
“North Macedonia defend well and have good technique, don’t forget they won away to Germany in the qualifiers. We need patience, but it starts from 0-0, it’s not like we need to overturn a result.”
The CT was asked what had changed in this Italy side after winning EURO 2020 and falling so badly off the boil in World Cup qualifiers?
“We have always tried to play our football. The only thing is when you prepare the Euros or World Cup, you have time to work in training intensively. When you play mid-season, we don’t have that luxury.”
Following some tense scenes during the Nations League at San Siro, Italy opted to play this very important match in Palermo, where the passion of the local supporters is untainted by club rivalry or people accustomed to success.
“Palermo always supported us and will do this time as well, with the stadium sold out. It is also positive that after two years this is the first game with 100 per cent capacity.”
Italia Macedonia, Mancini: “Poco tempo per provare, ma i ragazzi si conoscono bene”#SkySport #Nazionale #Mancini https://t.co/HIgjKyc7MT
— skysport (@SkySport) March 23, 2022